Full Breakdown
Braves' Contract Approach to Rising Star Catcher Drake Baldwin
5/6/2026, 6:27:21 PM
Braves' Stance on Extension Talks
The Atlanta Braves have not entered formal extension discussions with 25-year-old catcher Drake Baldwin, even as he fuels a 25-11 start to the 2026 season. Baldwin, the 2025 NL Rookie of the Year, is under a $800,000 contract for 2026 and will be arbitration-eligible in 2028, free-agent in 2031.
Baldwin's 2026 Offensive Production
In 36 games Baldwin posts a .313 average, .922 OPS, nine homers, 46 hits and 33 runs, leading MLB in hits and runs. His 1.8 bWAR helps a Braves offense that tops the league in runs per game (5.81) and OPS (.808).
Catcher Market and Recent Contracts
Catchers receive modest deals due to wear and tear; only six earn over $10 million annually. The last large contract was Joe Mauer’s eight-year, $184 million deal in 2010. Sean Murphy’s six-year, $73 million contract in 2023, described as “not exactly worked out in Atlanta’s favor,” underscores the risk.
Key Figures
- Drake Baldwin – 25, 2025 Rookie of the Year, leading MLB in hits and runs.
- Ken Rosenthal – The Athletic reporter covering the contract situation.
- Sean Murphy – Former Braves catcher with a six-year, $73 million deal.
Official Statements & Responses
Sources briefed say the Braves “have yet to seriously engage Baldwin in discussions on an extension.” The club cites the low catcher market and Murphy’s contract as reasons for delaying a long-term deal.
Criticism & Opposition
Fans note the Braves’ history of early extensions for stars like Ronald Acuña Jr., Ozzie Albies and Matt Olson, and view the delay with Baldwin as a departure. The Jonah Heim trade and Murphy’s underperforming deal heighten concerns about losing the catcher.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree formal talks have not started, but none give a timeline for negotiations. Expected salary expectations for Baldwin remain vague, and it is unclear whether his contract could surpass Mauer’s 2010 record.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Baldwin, because of his age and early achievement, might stand the best chance of all.” — Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic
- “yet to seriously engage Baldwin in discussions on a [contract] extension.” — Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic
- “The Braves, however, have yet to seriously engage Baldwin in discussions on an extension, according to people briefed on the matter,” — Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic
- “The deal, however, has not exactly worked out in Atlanta’s favor.” — Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic
What’s Next
Baldwin will be arbitration-eligible in 2028 and a free agent in 2031. The Braves must decide on a long-term deal before the 2030 season, when the window to lock in a pre-free-agency contract closes. Shifts in the catcher market will likely shape the final agreement.
